Day 10 – Wednesday 10th April

A full, but interesting day. 7am flight from Darwin to Alice Springs. Arrived 2hrs later in 28degC – later to climb to 38deg but only 35% humidity which made it bearable.

First stop in Alice was at the School of the Air,

School for pupils living up to 1000+km away, all accessed via radio. Lucky to be able to watch a lesson in progress in one of three studios. Photo shows a screenshot of what the pupil would see, as we watched the teacher live in the studio.

Pupil in the top left corner of the screen.

Moved on to Anzac Hill. Excellent viewpoint at war memorial- starting to get hot!

Next stop was the central HQ of the Flying Doctor Service. Tour and educational video presentation about the Service from inception to present day. 47 Aircraft in use all over Oz.

Brief stop at a supermarket to stock up for evening and the next day.

Final visit of the morning was to the Bush Telegraph Station and Museum. Located here in Alice as the mid point between Adelaide and Darwin, from where it spread out to the rest of the word . School class dressed in period costume taking over the Station for the day . Teachers also in period costume, gained pupils attention by cracking a bullwhip! Interesting young guide who spends his time between the Telegraph Station and flying hot air balloons.

Off to get checked in at hotel, however en route, our new driver/guide, Gary, mentioned that he had been to see a son et lumiere at Desert Park the previus night, so, not to be outdone, 8 of us decided to get the free shuttle bus out to the Park this evening. Good display considering it was all free and paid for by the township.

Only slight problem today was, my suitcase was trashed when it arrived at baggage reclaim this morning. Did think about trying a temporary repair with the aid of some timber and screws from maintenance at the hotel, but decided it was beyond repair. Advice saught from reception as to luggage shops in town. Apparently there was one such store, so taxi ordered and eventually got to said shop, and believe it or not, they had a 40%&60% off sale at the moment. Got replacement case and taxi back to hotel. That was just before we left for the Desert Park, so off now to pack my new case, before moving on to Uluru tomorrow. Good night from a hot Oz!